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UCD3138: Grid-tied solar inverter with MPPT

Part Number: UCD3138

Hi All,

Looking to build an integrated grid-tied solar inverter, with integrated MPPT and came across the UCD3138.  Also came across reference designs using the C2000 MCU.  Below are my design asks:

  1. Single-phases, pure sine wave output
  2. 5KW continuous output capacity, with 3-seconds burst to 3x capacity to account for inductive loads
  3. Front-end: 12V/24V input
  4. High efficiency
  5. Cost-sensitive application

My questions:

  1. Not seen any reference designs for the DC-DC stage - all reference designs I've come across on the site focus on the DC-AC stage.  Any guidance?
  2. Designs are either of insufficient power (micro-inverters, circa 600W) or 3ph (10KW, 400VDC - 220VAC). Need this inverter to operate in single-phase configuration
  3. Thoughts on interleaving and current sharing configurations - the end product is to have a simple means of adding extra inverters in parallel (up to 4) to increase capacity
  4. Prefer a fully-digital design, with C/C++ programming interface. Linux/Unix OS friendliness would be a massive advantage
  5. What dev support tools are there to see this project to fruition from all angles - DC-DC stage, DC-AC stage, HMI development, simulation/design tools ...etc?

Thanks in advance,

Ahmed.

  • Hello Ahmed,

    We do not have an output stage design for solar inverter.

    I have seen micro inverters designs using UCD3138, but I can not be more specific.

    The main difference between AC/DC and inverter is of course regulating current and not voltage and the ability to sync with the grid.

    I have seen designs that regulate average current and designs that regulate peak-current in transition mode. But I can not really help with the design of output stage itself.

    UCD3138 is a good fit for this application, I can help you with getting to know the chip architecture and all available tools (Editor/Compiler/Debugger/..). All the tools are MS-Windows based.

    Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

    Regards,